Michigan

Lions' coaching search could heat up this week

DETROIT -- Two of the top candidates for the Detroit Lions' vacant head coaching job became eligible over the weekend to meet for a second interview.

Steve Spagnuolo, the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants, became available when the No. 1 seed in the NFC was upset Sunday by the Philadelphia Eagles. Jim Schwartz, the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, likewise became available when the No. 1 seed in the AFC was stunned by the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Under NFL rules, the Lions would not have been able to talk to Spagnuolo or Schwartz if their teams had advanced to the conference championship games.

Because of this weekend's upsets, though, things are expected to heat up this week and not just for the Lions.

While the Lions didn't conduct any interviews Sunday, Fox Sports.com's Jay Glazer reported that Schwartz is on his way to Detroit for a second interview. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Schwartz's second interview will be today (desk: Monday) and will involve owner William Clay Ford.

Another possible coaching candidate, ESPN has reported, is Ron Rivera, the Chargers' defensive coordinator. Rivera turned down all interview requests last week, saying he wanted to concentrate on Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. Now that the Chargers have been eliminated by the Steelers, the Lions might pursue an interview.

The Lions are looking to replace former head coach Rod Marinelli, who already has agreed to become the defensive line coach/assistant head coach of the Chicago Bears.